BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION

CULTIVATION

Rue does better in warm climates, growing larger and fuller. In cold climates and in partial shade it tends to grow more straggly.

Hardiness: Zone 4Propagation: Seed or cuttingsGermination: 10-14 daysSpacing: 30 cm (1 foot)Soil: well-drained. It tolerates dry soils well. It can no tolerate wet soils.pH: 6-8Exposure: Full sunGarden Design: The blue-gray foliage make it a great addition to any herb garden. It looks wonderful near roses and as a small hedge.
Companion planting: Avoid planting it near wormwood. They make a nice combination, however, wormwood can hinder the growth of many herbs. For a nice effect, plant sage in between rue and wormwood. Rue, like many highly aromatic herbs, is an excellent companion to roses. The aroma helps keep aphids at bay.

DRYING

Place the leaves on a flat surface in a well ventilated room to dry. You can also use a dehydrator set at 35 Celsius (95 F). When the leaves are crisp, store them in an airtight container away from light.

PROPERTIES

ENERGETICS

Warm, dry

TASTE

Pungent, bitter

SCENT

Aromatic

MEDICINAL USE OF RUE

Rue has been used as an antispasmodic to alleviate menstrual cramps, to relax smooth muscles of the digestive system, and to soothe coughs. It can relax the uterus and soothe anxiety related symptoms. It can be used for increasing the circulation to the limbs and to lower blood pressure.

Used internally for:

Regulating the menstrual cycle

Relaxing the smooth muscles (especially of the digestive system)

Spasmodic coughs

Increasing peripheral circulation

Lowering blood pressure

Soothing anxiety related symptoms such as palpitations and tension headaches

Recommended daily dosage

Tincture: (1:5 in 40% alcohol): 1-4 ml three times per day.Tea: 1-2 tsp of dried herb per cup of boiling water. Infuse for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times per day.

HOMEMADE PREPARATIONS

Infusion

Tincture

CULINARY USE

Italians like to add this pungent herb to their salads, but only in small quantities. The Italian liqueur Grappa con ruta also contains rue. It is also used in Ethiopian cuisine in a sharp sauce of cayenne, in beverages and to make rue cheese.

SIDE EFFECTS

Rue can cause abortions and skin irritation (contact dermatitis). It can also cause phytophotodermatitis (burn like blisters on the skin).

CONTRA-INDICATIONS

Due to its ability to relax the muscles of the uterus, rue should be avoided during pregnancy.